A collection of stories from the University of London program

Earning the MSc in Cyber Security from the University of London is a transformative experience for students from many backgrounds. Because every student enrolls with unique motivations and aspirations, they each have something different to say about their time during and after the program. Together, their words paint a powerful picture of how people who follow a similar learning path can find enjoyment and success in their own ways.

Michael seeks to shift his career

Working as an IT engineer in Philadelphia, Michael views the program as a starting point for new opportunities. “I’m over 40 and I think I might want to change my career. I still want to work in cybersecurity. I’ve done it for a long time, but I see the master’s program from the University of London as a doorway to moving into either management or research and shifting my career to something that is not as stressful as dealing with live, active intrusions,” he reveals.

Michael additionally appreciates the flexibility, quality, and affordability that comes with learning from the University of London on Coursera. He sums things up by stating, “I might even want to get a PhD eventually, but I’m starting off with the master’s program online because it can be done in my own time and the University of London is a great school. It’s very reputable, and it’s also very affordable.”

Muhammad enters a new job market

Even as a cybersecurity consultant who’s spent 20 years in the field, Muhammad still wanted to add the MSc Cyber Security degree to his resume so that he could pursue jobs in the European market or his PhD. As it was his first time learning online, Muhammad relied on being highly organized. He remembers, “At the very beginning, I prepared an Excel spreadsheet. I went through everything on my reading list and figured out what I needed to do every day. I assigned tasks for every day and checked them off once done.”

Because he hadn’t learned online before his master’s program, it’s noteworthy too that Muhammad emphasizes, “[Coursera] is an excellent platform, and very easy to use. The way the material is delivered—you watch a video, you have some reading to do, some quizzes as well. It’s good for people like myself who’ve never studied remotely.”

Lee expands his knowledge and skills

Like Muhammad, Lee came to the program having already worked in cybersecurity for two decades. When Lee discusses what he’s taken away from individual modules, he mentions, “An early module—probably my favorite—delved into cybercrime, exploring the tactics of cybercriminals and different types of attacks, from phishing to ransomware. Real-world case studies provided a solid foundation in the dynamics of cyber threats.”

Turning his attention to his present and future modules, Lee continues by saying, “Each module includes hands-on exercises, simulating real-world scenarios. This practical approach has really assisted me in absorbing the content of the course. For instance, developing an ISMS for a hypothetical organization provided deep insights into security governance.”

Max sees the industries waiting for him

Having previously earned a bachelor’s degree in interactive design, Max chose to add the MSc Cyber Security to his professional credentials after creating cybersecurity tools for about eight years. “Cybersecurity isn’t just for cybersecurity companies—banks and fintech companies depend on it, for example. They need people who know how to protect against hardware attacks and malware, because it’s usually not the developers’ first priority. So, if I have that cybersecurity knowledge, I can apply for many kinds of jobs in that area,” he observes.

Now that he’s almost graduated, Max looks back on his time in the program and declares, “As I near the completion of my master’s degree, I can conclude that the MSc in Cyber Security from the University of London is exceptionally well-designed. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, both practical and theoretical, technical and humanitarian, as well as innovative and traditional. Also, the international peers foster an inclusive atmosphere, even within the context of distance education.”

Mirjana gains an edge in her role

A couple years into her cybersecurity career, Mirjana was looking to support what she was learning on the job with academic knowledge. Remembering a moment at work that happened after she began the MSc Cyber Security program, she remarks, “I found myself having a discussion with my manager. Even as a junior with two years of experience, I came up with good arguments for creating a positive cybersecurity culture.”

Meanwhile, as she contemplates the importance of the online platform where she’s done her studies, Mirjana points out, “In Coursera, you have everything in one place. You can save notes during a professor’s lecture, or the discussion between students or teaching staff, Q&A sessions, everything is in one place and is easy to coordinate.”

New students embark on their journeys

These students who have shared their individual stories have ended up with more than the MSc Cyber Security in common. They all have excitement and optimism about their current and future career. With each passing year, new students can say they feel the same way. If you’re interested in being one of them, check out the program today and consider the possibilities for yourself. The next story from the MSc Cyber Security that’s told could be yours.